SEEKING her eighth Major title, Australia’s Karrie Webb is just three strokes behind the leaders after the first round of the 2011 Kraft Nabisco Championship.
Three of those strokes were putts that lead to a nervous first hole bogey in stifling desert heat at the Mission Hills course in California.
The 36 year old is a two-time champion at the event and is hoping to capitalise on her recent great form at what is the first major of the women’s golf calendar.
After the early setback she fought back with four birdies to post a three-under 69 and shares seventh place behind joint leaders Brittany Lincicome and Stacy Lewis of the US.
“I was a little tight to start with,” Webb said. “I feel good about how I got through that.
“I birdied the second, so it settled me down a little bit but I probably played the first six or seven holes a little bit tight and settled in after that.”
Following her two recent wins Webb is leading the LPGA Tour money list.
“I don’t think I should be out here if I’m not a little bit nervous and, you know, having high expectations going into the first round,” she said.
Sarah Jane Smith shot an even par 72 and is the next best placed Aussie while Lindsey Wright and Katherine Hull both shot 76s.
Lincicome won the title in 2009 while Lewis is still looking for her first tour victory.
Germany’s Sandra Gal and Japan’s Mika Miyazato were one shot behind the leaders while World No.1 and defending champion Yani Tseng shot a 70.